Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading

Agriculture, Policy & Development at the University of Reading World leaders in teaching and research relating to agriculture, the food chain and rural environments

Emilia Bish, BSc Consumer Behaviour and Marketing student, has completed a placement year working with Cummins in Distri...
02/10/2026

Emilia Bish, BSc Consumer Behaviour and Marketing student, has completed a placement year working with Cummins in Distribution Europe, an advanced engine and power generation manufacturer in Northamptonshire.

Sharing her experience, Emilia said: “My placement has provided me with hands-on experience across marketing and business. I’ve taken on responsibility and built professional networks while travelling across Europe. Working with multiple stakeholders and suppliers throughout Europe has improved my communication and project management abilities. I’ve also taken ownership of projects and campaigns, such as multiple dealer marketing initiatives, and supported events and trade shows across multiple business segments, including Marine, Defence, and Off-Highway.

I strongly recommend completing a placement year, as the experience you gain is truly invaluable.”

Muhammad Hasnain Raza, MSc Agriculture and Development student, recently received a Travel Award from the School, alongs...
28/09/2026

Muhammad Hasnain Raza, MSc Agriculture and Development student, recently received a Travel Award from the School, alongside funding from the Mrs Meyer Sassoon Scholarship, which enabled him to attend the Leguminose Summer School titled “Understanding Contemporary Plant-Soil Feedback in Intercropping” at the University of Florence, Italy.

He said: “It was a good learning experience, as it combined laboratory training, field interaction, academic lectures and discussions with researchers from various universities.

It helped me to develop my laboratory skills, deepen my knowledge of the plant-soil feedback in intercropping and gain knowledge from farmers, researchers and academics. This experience has motivated me to investigate soil microbiomes, soil fertility and sustainable agriculture as potential research fields for a future PhD.”

Sirajum Munira, a PhD student based in the Department of Sustainable Land Management, is investigating how hedgerow stru...
25/09/2026

Sirajum Munira, a PhD student based in the Department of Sustainable Land Management, is investigating how hedgerow structures influence pollinator communities.

She said: “A hedgerow is a complex living structure that can shape the entire microclimate around it. Using Drone-LiDAR, I can map these structural details and capture their complexity. By comparing hedgerows across different agroecosystems, I'm exploring how different management approaches create different hedge microhabitats for pollinators.

What makes Reading so special isn't just the research; it's the combination of great people, the funding and resources to access specialist equipment, and an award-winning green campus and institution that genuinely cares about the environment means I could focus what’s important and produce research I'm truly proud of.”

We are delighted to welcome our 20th cohort of BSc Consumer Behaviour and Marketing students to the School this week!Lau...
22/09/2026

We are delighted to welcome our 20th cohort of BSc Consumer Behaviour and Marketing students to the School this week!

Launched in 2006, BSc Consumer Behaviour and Marketing was a highly innovative degree. Today, this Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) accredited course remains unique, with strong emphasis on understanding consumer psychology and behaviour from the start of the course, alongside covering a wide range of marketing topics, principles and techniques. Our graduates have an enviable skill set which enables them to enter a full range of consumer, marketing and business-related careers.

Best of luck to these new students – we can’t wait to see what you can achieve!

Learn more: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/Subject-area/marketing-ug/bsc-consumer-behaviour-and-marketing

Welcome Week 2026 is underway! Today, our new undergraduate cohort received a warm welcome from Head of School Professor...
21/09/2026

Welcome Week 2026 is underway!

Today, our new undergraduate cohort received a warm welcome from Head of School Professor Simon Mortimer, Dr Laura Girling - School Director of Academic Tutoring, and Dr Gillian Rose - School Director of Teaching and Learning.

This session kicks off a week of orientation activities that will introduce new BSc, MSc and research students to key staff, their chosen courses, and most importantly, each other.

A warm welcome to our new and returning students from Professor Simon Mortimer, Head of the School of Agriculture, Polic...
21/09/2026

A warm welcome to our new and returning students from Professor Simon Mortimer, Head of the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development.

"We are delighted to begin another academic year and to welcome students both familiar and new to our community. We hope you settle in quickly, get involved in school activities and make the most of the opportunities ahead. Our best wishes for success in the year ahead."

Lila Gyorkos, a BSc Environmental Management and Sustainability Placement student, is currently on a placement year as a...
18/09/2026

Lila Gyorkos, a BSc Environmental Management and Sustainability Placement student, is currently on a placement year as a GIS and Wildlife Recovery Placement Student with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust in Fordingbridge, Hampshire.

She said “My role so far has involved assisting in monitoring farmland bird species to understand the reasons for their decline. My day-to-day tasks include monitoring nest boxes, maintaining camera traps, and assisting with various admin tasks. The highlight for me so far has been seeing young birds in the nest.

This placement has been a unique opportunity to see conservation in practise. I gained a better understanding of conservation science and how scientists can work together with farmers and landowners to protect wildlife and natural resources.”

Asri Sulistiawati, a PhD student in the Department of International Development, shares her experience of attending the ...
13/09/2026

Asri Sulistiawati, a PhD student in the Department of International Development, shares her experience of attending the 2026 International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) Conference and the Development Studies Association (DSA) Conference in Ireland, made possible through a School Travel Award.

She said: “Attending the IAMCR and DSA conferences was a milestone in my doctoral and professional development, as the experience strengthened my confidence in communicating my research beyond a specialist audience. I am very grateful to the School for providing a Travel Award, which enabled me to participate in both conferences and gain academic, professional, and networking opportunities that will contribute to my PhD research and long-term academic career.”

Congratulations to Raheem Aminu on completing his PhD in Agriculture, Environmental and Food Economics here in the Schoo...
11/09/2026

Congratulations to Raheem Aminu on completing his PhD in Agriculture, Environmental and Food Economics here in the School.

He said: “My research develops a new way to measure resilience to climate-related shocks, such as unpredictable rainfall, drought and floods, among agricultural households in Nigeria. I found that asset ownership and adaptive capacity are important for resilience, while social safety nets and access to basic services play supportive roles. These findings highlight the need for resilience-building policies that strengthen assets, education, and adaptive skills. My time at the University of Reading has been a journey of growth, discovery, resilience, and meaningful connections. I leave with a PhD, as well as memories, friendships, and lessons that continue to shape my journey.”

The School of Agriculture, Policy and Development is proud to support Back British Farming, a National Farmers’ Union (N...
09/09/2026

The School of Agriculture, Policy and Development is proud to support Back British Farming, a National Farmers’ Union (NFU) campaign championing the vital role British farming plays in the UK’s environment, economy and wellbeing.

Professor Gillian Rose, School Director of Teaching and Learning, said:

"Positive change starts with equipping the next generation of British farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

As the sector responds to climate, policy and economic challenges, we prepare our BSc Agriculture and BSc Agricultural Business Management students to become future leaders. Through the exciting and vibrant curriculum, students actively participate in research projects, industry placements and regular visits to a wide range of agriculture businesses, gaining the practical expertise needed to build profitable, sustainable and resilient careers."

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